India were handed a tough Davis Cup draw and will take on former champs Russia in an away first-round tie scheduled for March 5-7.

Back in the World Group after an 11-year gap, unseeded India made the World Group after their convincing 4-1 win over South Africa on Sunday while fourth seeds Russia lost by the same margin to Israel in the World Group quarterfinal.

India's non-playing captain S P Misra admitted that the draw, made at Geneva, Switzerland, is tough.

"It will be tough. I have heard that it's freezing cold at that time there and they will play us on clay in an indoor court. That surface does not suit us. But we have five months to prepare, we will take care of all these things," Misra told PTI.

Misra said they were hoping for a home tie but luck did not favour them.

"We have played two away ties. Against Chinese Taipei and then South Africa. We were hoping for a home tie but we can't do much. It's okay," he said.

Last time India competed in the World Group was in 1998 when they lost to Italy. India have thrice made the final of Davis Cup but have never won the title.